Basilica of San Domenico, SIENA ITALY

The church was begun in 1226-1265, but was enlarged in the 14th century resulting in the gothic appearance it has now. However, aspects of the Gothic structure were subsequently destroyed by fires in 1443, 1456 and 1531, and further damage later resulted from military occupation (1548-1552).

The head (and one thumb) of  Catherine of Siena, a canonized saint and one of the incorruptibles finds final rest in the Basilica of San Domenico.

Siena, ITALY

The historic center of Siena has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Siena is famous for its medieval cityscape and the Palio, a horse race held twice a year in the city center, the Piazzo del Campo.

The Palatine Hill, ROME ITALY

Once the residence of emperors and aristocrats, the Palatine Hill is a patchwork of surviving temples, arches, and arenas amid rolling greenery.

St Giles Cathedral (Royal Mile), EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

St Giles Cathedral. This cathedral is dedicated to the patron saint of Edinburgh, and of lepers and the handicapped. Its heavy, dark Gothic style fits with the brooding castle a few minutes away and the rest of the sooty buildings on the Royal Mile.

Thistle Chapel. The chapel is a delightful surprise—a small, brightly decorated, colorful, fanciful gem buried in the gloomy cathedral. Famous royals Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Philip were knighted here.

A Bit O' Edinburgh and the Royal Mile EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

The Royal Mile cuts through the heart of medieval Old Town. At the bottom of the Mile is the Palace of Holy Rood (the residence of the Royal Family when in Scotland) and the modern Parliament Building (pictured directly below); at the top of the Mile is commanding Edinburgh Castle.

Street performers work the Royal Mile during the Fringe Festival celebrating the Avant garde; this August festival brings 400,000 people to Edinburgh.

Closes (steep, narrow alleyways) punctuate the main route and offer many options for exploration off the main drag. These offshoots were named as such because they were closed off at night to keep riff raff out. If you didn’t pay attention to the cry of “gardyloo!” in 16th-century Edinburgh, you might be covered in some less-than desirable splatter as it was customary to throw human waste from the windows.

Mary King’s Close. 3½ stories beneath today’s Royal Mile and entombed beneath 3½ centuries of construction, in 1629, this close was a thriving neighborhood. Some claim it had been sealed up to contain bubonic plague, making it not only a fascinating time capsule, but also one of the most haunted sites in Scotland.

What is it? It’s NOT dog poop or Twinkie tempura—it IS something we actually ate and is a tourist-loving Scottish snack. This mysterious turd-like object is actually a deep-fried Mars bar.

Embsay, England (Where the hell is that?)

Embsay. Amazingly, this small town (marked only by a TINY shrub-obscured sign) has a Wikipedia entry. Wikipedia explains that Embsay has its own cricket team and a pub on each end of town. At one of those pubs—the Elm Tree Inn—we enjoyed a local brew and our first taste of countryside cooking.  But where the hell IS Embsay?  It's in North Yorkshire, England--practically half way between London (4.5 hours from Embsay) and Edinburgh (about 3 hours from Embsay).

This church was the halfway point in our walk between our B&B and the Elm Tree Inn. Looking gentle and quaint as we passed it on the way to dinner, it took on different air on our way back later that evening.

At Bondcroft Bed and Breakfast, owner Bobby gives us a special treat--letting us watch as he works his champion herding dogs.

A Look Inside Chillingham Castle, NORTHUMBERLAND, ENGLAND

Chillingham Castle began its history as a monastery in the late 12th century. Its location between two feuding nations made its peaceful purpose a short-lived one. It was used as a staging post for English armies entering Scotland, and was repeatedly attacked by Scottish armies and raiding parties. Fast forward past many kings who used and stayed at the castle (most notably, King Edward on his way to battle William Wallace as well as James I, the first king of both England and Scotland)—to WW II. During WW II, the castle became army barracks.  It is now owned by Sir Humphry, who has tended to its restoration and care.

The Great Hall. This room (below) was built for the royal visit of James I of Scotland. The walls are garnished with weapons and trophies from around the world

The James I Room (below). Named in honor of the King’s Royal visit to Chillingham in 1603, this room is brilliantly furnished with Sir Humphrey's copies of antique originals. It is famous for its Elizabethan ceiling of gilded ribbing and walls lined with patterned silk. This fine Elizabethan room was one of three, adjacent to each other, where the King would receive his guests. King Charles I, only some weeks before his execution, stayed here for three days.

Edward I Room (below). King Edward stayed here on his way to the successful capture of William Wallace (Brave Heart). This room, which has been restored to its 13th century format, is the most ancient stateroom in the castle.

The Plaque Room (below). Named for the fine plasterwork plaque dedicated to the Grey family (above the fireplace), this room has many photographs of visitors to the castle and a collection of books that relate to Sir Humphry’s family.

The Chapel (below). Once a library, the family now uses this for private religious services. Supposedly, two unidentified skeletons were found beneath the floor boards.

Gardens. This 1828 garden is the work of royal garden designer Sir Jeffrey Wyatville, who also constructed the gardens at Windsor Castle. The herbaceous border is the longest in Northern England.

What reputable haunted castle would be caught dead without a proper torture chamber?

York Minster YORK, ENGLAND

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More than two million people from all over the world pass through the Minster annually—and it is easy to understand why. This architectural masterpiece took more than 250 years to build. Intricate carvings and stone work embellish the inner and outer surfaces while offering inspirational images of faith.

The immense structure contains the world's greatest collection of intact Medieval stained glass windows. It has more original Medieval glass than the rest of Britain’s churches combined—the east window alone is the size of a tennis court.

Despite its cavernous interior, massive grey columns, and bare stone floors, the Minster manages to bathe visitors in a soft natural light and evoke a feeling of airiness.

York, ENGLAND

York is one of England's most visited historic towns.  It was founded by the Romans in AD and given the name "Eboracum".  Over the decades, its identity evolved from being a center of the wool trade, to serving as a major railway hub, to becoming a major provider of confectionary delights.

Tourists move shoulder-to-shoulder along narrow, cobble-stoned medieval lanes that open to wide, lively squares. On the larger streets, chain stores share sidewalks with tourist-loving tea and trinket shops. One of the most famous of the historic lanes, the Shambles, features overhanging timber-framed buildings (some dating back to the 14th century).

A narrow street opens to a great cobbled courtyard, home to an open air market offering everything from vegetables and fruits to candles and perfumes.

York Minster. More than two million people from all over the world pass through the Minster annually—and it is easy to understand why. This architectural masterpiece took more than 250 years to build. Intricate carvings and stone work embellish the inner and outer surfaces while offering inspirational images of faith.

Trevi Fountain ROME, ITALY

Trevi Fountain, Rome’s largest and oldest fountain.  It may have been named after Trivia, a young girl who  is said to have first shown the spring beneath to thirsty Roman soldiers.

St Peter’s Parish Church (at Chillingham Castle) NORTHUMBERLAND ENGLAND

This little 12th century church retains its Norman stonework exterior. The interior is an unusual mixture of old and new. Ancient exterior stone work houses 19th century boxed pews and a sanctuary completely refurbished in 1967. Christian worship has taken place on this site for more than a thousand years.

The South Chapel contains the alabaster tomb of Sir Ralph Grey and his wife Elizabeth. Even though it dates back to 1450, traces of the original colors are still visible.

Saint-Paul de Vence Hill Town FRANCE

Saint-Paul de Vence, founded in the 9th century, makes its mark on the landscape.  Imposing ramparts rear out of the Provençal countryside. Tucked inside is a walled hill town with its winding, narrow, incredibly steep alleyways.